How much does Rybelsus cost with and without insurance?

Like other GLP-1 medicines, Rybelsus® costs a pretty penny without insurance. Here’s what to expect at the pharmacy and how to lower your cost for this popular prescription drug.

Three key takeaways: 

• Rybelsus is a pill approved to treat type 2 diabetes and prescribed off-label for weight loss. (Most other brand-name GLP-1 drugs are injections.) 
• A 30-day supply of Rybelsus costs $997.58. That’s the list price set by the manufacturer. Some pharmacies may charge more.

• There are ways to save on the cost of Rybelsus—including insurance and discount programs—and alternative treatments to consider for weight loss.

What is Rebelsus (semaglutide)? 

Made by Novo Nordisk, Rybelsus is the first oral GLP-1 prescription medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient that’s in Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which mimics a naturally occurring gut hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

In clinical studies, semaglutide has helped people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar, improve their A1c, and lose weight with diet and exercise. That’s one reason the prescription drug is also used off-label for weight loss. And, since people take Rybelsus as a once-daily tablet rather than a weekly injection, it can be a good option for those who have difficulty with needles. (Prescriptions are up to a medical provider’s discretion.) 

The most common Rybelsus side effects—nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting—are similar to those of other forms of semaglutide, including Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Less common but more serious risks can also occur. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not take Rybelsus. Do not take Rybelsus if you have ever had thyroid cancer. 

Rybelsus can cause fetal harm. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, do not take Rybelsus. Find detailed side effect and risk information on our Rybelsus medication page.

Tell your health care provider if you have severe stomach problems that won’t go away, including abdominal bloating or pain, acid reflux, a feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites of food, nausea, and vomiting, including vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier. These may be symptoms of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis).

How much does Rybelsus cost per month without insurance coverage?

Drug maker Novo Nordisk’s list price for Rybelsus is $997.58 a month, regardless of the dosage. 

The retail cost of Rybelsus at the pharmacy may be higher. A recent check of pharmacies in one midwestern city found retail Rybelsus prices ranging from $1,143 to $1,283 for a 30-day supply. 

Rybelsus (semaglutide) price FAQ

Here are common questions and answers about paying for Rybelsus. 

Does insurance cover Rybelsus? 

In short, it depends. Policies vary. You’ll have the best chance of insurance coverage if two things are true:

1. You have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and
2. Rybelsus is on your health insurance plan’s approved drug list or formulary for diabetes care.

Some insurance plans require prior authorization (more information from your doctor) or step therapy (proof you’ve tried other less expensive meds first and they haven’t worked) before covering Rybelsus. Most insurance companies won’t cover Rybelsus for off-label uses like weight loss. To check your insurance coverage, use the Rybelsus cost-checker here. 

How do I get Rybelsus for $10 a month?

Get the Rybelsus Savings Card. If you have commercial insurance that covers the drug for your diagnosis, this manufacturer’s discount Rybelsus co-pay card can cut your cost by $300 a month to as little as a $10 co-pay per month for up to 4 years. One key exclusion: The card can’t be used if you have state-, federal-or government-funded insurance (such as Medicare or Medicaid).

How can I lower the cost of Rybelsus without insurance?

• Ask your local pharmacist for their best cash price. 
• Try a coupon code. Drug discount programs like GoodRx offer discounts on pharmacy retail prices without insurance. In our recent check of Rybelsus prices in one city, GoodRx’s discount shaved as much as 25 percent off the retail Rybelsus price, sometimes bringing it below the manufacturer's list price.
• See if you qualify for the Novocare Patient Assistance Program. It provides free diabetes medication for those who meet low-income (and other) qualifications. 

Are there less expensive Rybelsus alternatives?

The injectable GLP-1 drugs Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, the active ingredient in Rybelsus. (Wegovy is FDA-approved for treating obesity and excess weight with or without heart disease. Ozempic is FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes.)

Wegovy and Ozempic tend to cost as much as (or more) Rybelsus. However, depending on your diagnosis, your insurance plan may provide better drug coverage for one of these two brand-name drugs.

And, of course, Rybelsus is not the only treatment for type 2 diabetes or weight loss. Weight care programs like Found’s can help you explore alternatives and determine a treatment that’s right for your body—and your budget.

Is there a generic version of semaglutide? 

There is no FDA-approved generic of Rybelsus (oral semaglutide). However, when there’s a shortage of brand-name semaglutide drugs (like Ozempic and Wegovy), and they land on the FDA drug shortage list, the FDA permits compounded versions of their active ingredient to be made and sold.

Compounded semaglutide—typically dispensed in vials with syringes or in oral dissolving tablets rather than in pre-filled injector pens or swallowable pills—has been advertised for about one-fifth the list price of Rybelsus. 

Bear in mind: The FDA does not review compounded medications for safety and efficacy. The agency advises that patients use them only with a prescription from a licensed health care provider, when FDA-approved medications are unavailable, and when the medications are obtained from state-licensed pharmacies or outsourcing facilities registered with the FDA.

About Found

Found is among the largest medically-supported telehealth weight care clinics in the country, having served more than 250,000 members to date. To start your journey with Found, take our quiz.

Found is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk A/S, the owner of the registered trademarks Rybelsus, Ozempic and Wegovy. 

GLP-1 prescriptions, filled through your local pharmacy, are now available as part of Found's weight-loss toolkit. While GLP-1s can be effective for weight loss, like all medicines, they are not clinically appropriate for everyone. Eligibility for a GLP-1 is based on a thorough evaluation of your medical history and lab work. If a GLP-1 is not appropriate for you, our providers will work with you to determine an effective medication for your health profile. This content does not provide medical advice and does not substitute for a consultation with a doctor or healthcare provider.